On the mountain slopes, giant heather plants covered in lichens and mosses, Mount Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania

Plant Life on Kilimanjaro truly is kaleidoscopic, from the dense canopies of green within in the tropical Rain Forest, to the fine wisps of lichen scattered across the Highland Desert. In a typical ascent up the mountain one would encounter biodiversity beyond the wildest imagination, stretching across at least five very different habitats. Bordering the lower slopes of the mountain is the rich, diverse cocoon of the rain forest. Providing over 95% of all the water on Kilimanjaro, this ecological playground is literally brimming with life. Canopies of towering trees such as camphor woods and heather trees stretch their giant lichen covered arms towards the sky, whilst the new leaves of exotic tree ferns appear almost luminous in the flickering light of the forest. Also soaking up the humidity are unusual mosses and striking wild flowers such as orchids, impatiens and violets.During his trip to Tanzania, Eliot Elisofon and his crew ascended Mount Kilimanjaro. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Broadcasting Company and traveled to Africa from June 1966 to August 1966.